Bella Smith Mell, born Jan. 22, 1906, died quietly in her home on Lake Shore Dr., May 5, 2002. She is predeceased by her husband, Alfred L. Mell, an architect. Mrs. Mell was reared in Wilmette, graduated from New Trier High School, attended the School of the Art Institute and Katherine Gibbs School. In 1936, Mrs. Mell was hired by Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston-Trade Books Division. From 1944-1972 she represented the Publisher in the Midwest Region as Editorial Representative and Sales Person. In retirement Mrs. Mell was a volunteer at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. She is survived by her niece, Louise Lee Reid, nephew, Kenneth L. Lee; grandnephews, Steven J. Reid and Peter J. (Robin) Reid; grandniece, Martha Lee (Walter) Peck and greatgreat-nephew, Nathaniel Reid. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 31, 5 p.m. at the Central Church of Chicago, 18 S. Michigan Ave., 9th Flr., Chicago, IL 60603. Private interment on Saturday, June 1 at Arlington Cemetery, Elmhurst, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mell Fund at Central Church of Chicago.
